I've done quite a bit of checking price / lb, and price / unit (in that case, diapers), and found that the local Sam's just doesn't really offer any real savings over Wal-Mart and Meijer (same type of store), and, I don't have to fork over $35/year to be a member. And, since I am a cook, if I want bulk products, I can get them, at wholesale cost, from my boss.

I've never heard of BJ's, but I used to belong to Sam's Club, and have at least been in a Costco, but won't be joining either of them anytime soon. There are only two of us, and either you have to buy too many of an item or the container of a product is too big for us to finish before it gets stale (ex. peanut butter in two giant containers packaged together). I liked to go to Sam's, and they had some good prices, but if you can't use the stuff before it goes bad, it's not much of a deal.

I shop at Costco now and then, and it's okay, but the meats, imo, are pricey!
I love love love Costplus, like iron chef mentioned. It's not a warehouse store, but you can get all kinds of amazing international brands/foods, such as vegamite, violet crumbles, clotted cream, golden syrup, etc....

Here's a copy of an email I got yesterday - if you click on the link you can get a free one-day Sam's pass & maybe that will help you make a decision:

Dear Jkath!

I personally sent out your pass last night, so please let me know when you receive it. The pass is valid for any Sam's around the country. Thankfully, all of the Sam's are now selling our pops so if you have any difficulty finding it on the shelf, please ask one of the Sam's employees to help you. The product is definitely there.

If you ever go to any internet message boards (Weight Watchers, South Beach Diet, Low Carb, NutriSystem, etc.), please do me a huge favor and post something that will let the people know that I would be happy to send them a 1 day visitor pass so they can try our product at any Sam's Club in their area.

BJ's is closest to my house so that's where I go but I used to belong to a Costco and liked them as well. To be honest, I don't really notice a big difference between the two. You do have to watch what you buy in quantity though. Some things just don't pay.